Returning to our origins

Tom OrrRidge Lines

Published: Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, October 19, 2012 at 2:45 p.m.

My mother, Alva O'Briant, moved here from Winston-Salem in 1928. She sometimes would talk about the journey by train that brought her to the Hendersonville depot. Like many young people who are suddenly forced to make life changes, she thought her life had ended.

She recalled how the train that was taking her to a new home "somewhere in the mountains" passed the playground of the school that, only days before, she had been attending. Framed by the glass window of the train, she could see some of her friends playing in the schoolyard. She wept.

When the train finally pulled into the Hendersonville depot, she said it was "the end of the world." It was evening and dark, and she could see only a few people who were visiting the station.

The histories we make are ourselves, here and now.

Today I received an email from my niece Ashley (Orr) Self. "Uncle Tommy," the message read, "Donnie received a promotion and we have moved to Winston-Salem. It was all very quick sooooooo we just moved!! We found out only a little bit ago and have had to completely get out of one house and into another in 2 weeks time. It has been a whirlwind — but a blessing.

"We found a new house and great neighborhood … kids love it.

"We will be in touch through email and I will still send pictures!!! When we come to town we will have to catch up."

Attached to the email was a small picture of little Alva, Ashley and Donnie's daughter. She is named for her great-grandmother, Alva O'Briant. The picture shows the 3-year-old striking a very dramatic pose, hands on hips. She stands in adult-sized high heel shoes, one blue and one red. She exudes confidence and pride in who she thinks she is. The picture was taken in the ladies shoe department of a mall.

Oct. 11 would have been my parents' 80th wedding anniversary. Both are now deceased. They were married for 51 years. Both were classmates at Hendersonville High School. My mother died of cancer in 1983, and my father died of complications from Alzheimer's in 1996. They were "high school sweethearts."

I live in what was once their home. I have a collection of mementos, pictures and remembrances that once belonged to them. Today I searched for the Times-News clipping that announced their marriage back in 1932. I searched in all the likely places — in bureau drawers and in boxes hidden in closets. I finally found the announcement.

It was under "Society Notes" by C.R. McManaway, Society Editor (Phone 98 between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.) I would like to share the McManaway note with you:

Marriage of Much Interest Solemnized

The marriage of Miss Alva O'Briant to Mr. Rickman Orr, which was solemnized in Greenville, South Carolina, on Tuesday evening, October the eleventh, is of wide interest.

The bride, who is a beautiful brunette, is one of the most popular girls of the young set in Hendersonville on account of her gracious and charming personality.

Having come here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.L. O'Briant, the former being circulation manager of the Times-News, about four years ago from Winston-Salem, she soon became one of the most beloved girls of the Hendersonville High School. She was graduated in the Class of '31.

The groom was a member of the same graduating class and was an outstanding foot ball player and also very popular. He later attended Weaver College in Weaverville. He is the son of Mrs. John L. Orr. Mr. Orr, the father, died in 1920. During his lifetime Mr. Orr was active in the affairs of the city, at one time serving as city commissioner.

Poet T.S. Eliot has written in his Four Preludes: "What we call the beginning is often the end/And to make an end is to make a beginning,/The end is where we start from … ."

<p>My mother, Alva O'Briant, moved here from Winston-Salem in 1928. She sometimes would talk about the journey by train that brought her to the Hendersonville depot. Like many young people who are suddenly forced to make life changes, she thought her life had ended.</p><p>She recalled how the train that was taking her to a new home "somewhere in the mountains" passed the playground of the school that, only days before, she had been attending. Framed by the glass window of the train, she could see some of her friends playing in the schoolyard. She wept.</p><p>When the train finally pulled into the Hendersonville depot, she said it was "the end of the world." It was evening and dark, and she could see only a few people who were visiting the station.</p><p>The histories we make are ourselves, here and now. </p><p>Today I received an email from my niece Ashley (Orr) Self. "Uncle Tommy," the message read, "Donnie received a promotion and we have moved to Winston-Salem. It was all very quick sooooooo we just moved!! We found out only a little bit ago and have had to completely get out of one house and into another in 2 weeks time. It has been a whirlwind — but a blessing. </p><p>"We found a new house and great neighborhood … kids love it.</p><p>"We will be in touch through email and I will still send pictures!!! When we come to town we will have to catch up."</p><p>Attached to the email was a small picture of little Alva, Ashley and Donnie's daughter. She is named for her great-grandmother, Alva O'Briant. The picture shows the 3-year-old striking a very dramatic pose, hands on hips. She stands in adult-sized high heel shoes, one blue and one red. She exudes confidence and pride in who she thinks she is. The picture was taken in the ladies shoe department of a mall. </p><p>Oct. 11 would have been my parents' 80th wedding anniversary. Both are now deceased. They were married for 51 years. Both were classmates at Hendersonville High School. My mother died of cancer in 1983, and my father died of complications from Alzheimer's in 1996. They were "high school sweethearts." </p><p>I live in what was once their home. I have a collection of mementos, pictures and remembrances that once belonged to them. Today I searched for the Times-News clipping that announced their marriage back in 1932. I searched in all the likely places — in bureau drawers and in boxes hidden in closets. I finally found the announcement. </p><p>It was under "Society Notes" by C.R. McManaway, Society Editor (Phone 98 between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.) I would like to share the McManaway note with you: </p><p>Marriage of Much Interest Solemnized</p><p>The marriage of Miss Alva O'Briant to Mr. Rickman Orr, which was solemnized in Greenville, South Carolina, on Tuesday evening, October the eleventh, is of wide interest.</p><p>The bride, who is a beautiful brunette, is one of the most popular girls of the young set in Hendersonville on account of her gracious and charming personality. </p><p>Having come here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.L. O'Briant, the former being circulation manager of the Times-News, about four years ago from Winston-Salem, she soon became one of the most beloved girls of the Hendersonville High School. She was graduated in the Class of '31.</p><p>The groom was a member of the same graduating class and was an outstanding foot ball player and also very popular. He later attended Weaver College in Weaverville. He is the son of Mrs. John L. Orr. Mr. Orr, the father, died in 1920. During his lifetime Mr. Orr was active in the affairs of the city, at one time serving as city commissioner.</p><p>Poet T.S. Eliot has written in his Four Preludes: "What we call the beginning is often the end/And to make an end is to make a beginning,/The end is where we start from … ."</p><p>It is a strange destiny that we live out.</p><p>Alva has returned to Winston-Salem.</p>